A £2,500 reward is being offered to find those behind three suspected arson attacks at Northumberland farms.

Fire crews were called to two incidents around Morpeth and one at Belford on 31 August and 1 September.

The North East National Farmers Union (NFU) has welcomed the anonymous reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

A man, 49, was arrested in connection with the fires and was released on bail pending further inquiries.

Extra patrols

Straw bales were set alight at all three sites.

Northumbria Police said it was operating extra patrols in rural areas.

They are encouraging farmers to sign up to the FarmWatch scheme through which they are Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service share information with farmers, landowners and residents.

NFU regional director Richard Ellison said: "The police are doing everything possible to catch whoever is responsible for these blazes and I'm sure the offer of such a substantial reward can only help them in their efforts.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything or saw anything that could help to get in touch with the police."